Weather & Vehicle Preparation in Elgin

How to prep your Subaru in different climates.

We can’t control Mother Nature, but we can control how prepared your Subaru is for her. Since driving conditions will vary throughout the year based on the region you live in, and the seasonal changes associated with it, we’ve categorized three general types of climates – warm, moderate and cold – and list the ways in which you can prepare your Subaru for each.

Warm Climate Preparation

Warmer climates usually produce mild to considerably warm temperatures all year long with rainfall occurring more often in the winter season. Areas near mountains, deserts and the coast can bring about different weather patterns and temperatures, but generally here are some common check-ups recommended from season to season if you live in a warm climate:

Inspect the tires – pressure, tread depth and condition

Consider summer tires over all-season tires

Test the battery

Review the A/C system

Check the oil level

Check all fluid levels

Check the wipers and exterior lights

Check the brake pads and components

Inspect the engine air and cabin air filters

Prepping for Summer

Moderate Climate Preparation

Moderate climates tend to have a mix between warm and cold climate zones with light snowfall in the winter and mild to warm summers with occasional rainfall. Some common seasonal vehicle preparations for a moderate climate are as follows:

Inspect the tires – pressure, tread depth and condition

Consider all-season tires

Check the oil level

Check all fluid levels

Inspect the heating, cooling and defroster system

Test the battery

Check the wipers and exterior lights

Check the components of the suspension system

Check the wheel alignment

Check the brake pads and components

Brilliance Subaru knows that Mother Nature has a
tendency to add some wear and tear to our vehicles, especially when
experiencing all four seasons like we do here in Schaumburg. For this reason,
we always like to help our customers stay in the know and provide some helpful
information regarding how to properly prepare your Subaru for any upcoming
weather during the spring, summer, winter or fall.

Of course, winter preparation is usually the most
important considering driving conditions are so unpredictable and ever-changing.
We always suggest replacing windshield wipers in order to allow for the best
visibility possible, changing and or replenishing fluids under your hood,
testing your batter and your brakes, rotating your tires/swapping them out for
winter tires and better traction control and handling, and making sure your
engine's oil is fresh and ready to ride out the winter with you.

Although the spring, summer and fall tend to be
milder here in Illinois, that doesn't mean taking the necessary precautions
during those months isn't just as important. Staying conscious of the state of
your tires, especially during the muddy spring season helps you avoid any
tricky and undesirable situations and also helps you stay in control when
you're traveling to and from every destination. Your brakes and brake pads are
something that should always be in top-notch condition all year, so that's
always a suggestion we make with extreme enthusiasm here.

As spring fades into summer ensuring that your air
conditioning system, cabin filter, and engine coolant are in good condition is
also important. No one wants to deal with an overheating vehicle, especially on
a sticky summer day. As we stated above, brakes, brake pads, wipers, fluid
levels and your oil should always be a priority as well because this allows you
to drive safely with a lesser chance of running into an interruption or more
damage to your vehicle during your travels.

We know you might not always remember to do all of
this on your own, you're busy after all. Our onsite service and repair center
is here to take over. We'll make sure we set up routine maintenance and service
appointments for you at the start of every season so your vehicle is totally
prepared to face anything that comes its way. You can make an appointment today
by calling (888) 698-8212 or stopping by our
dealership.

Stay one step ahead of Mother
Nature and drive confidently during any season with these helpful tips and the
expertise of our service center here at Brilliance Subaru. Don't hesitate to
reach out whenever you're ready to schedule an appointment for your vehicle.

Prepping for Spring

Prepping for Fall

Cold Climate Preparation

Colder climates usually dip below freezing when winter arrives and receive light to heavy snowfall for extended periods of time. The summer season brings similar conditions to that of warmer and moderate climates with a fair share of rainfall. Review the warmer climate section when summer arrives for suggested check-ups. As for winter, if you live in or spend a good amount of time in a colder climate, here are some common things to prepare your Subaru during the winter season:

Consider purchasing/switching to winter tires

Adjust tire pressure (cold temperatures decrease tire pressure)

Check tire tread depth

Check the oil level

Check all fluid levels

Make sure windshield washer fluid is suitable for freezing temps

Check the condition of wiper blades and exterior lights

Consider winter wiper blades

Test the battery

Check the brake pads and components

Check the heating and defroster systems

Prepping for Winter

Service Center Hours

Monday7:00am - 7:00pm

Tuesday7:00am - 7:00pm

Wednesday7:00am - 7:00pm

Thursday7:00am - 7:00pm

Friday7:00am - 7:00pm

Saturday8:00am - 3:00pm

SundayClosed

Service Amenities

Not only do we provide expert Subaru care, we are proud to offer these added benefits that make us different than the rest: